Oumar Dao received a fully suspended sentence for stealing €3,764.70 from an elderly man by impersonating an AIB official. Dao, who has 30 previous convictions, including one for money laundering, pleaded guilty to theft. The victim, aged 78 at the time, was tricked into sharing his bank details after clicking on a phishing link. Dao met the victim and collected his card, which was later used to withdraw money and buy food. CCTV footage and car registration details led to Dao's identification. His defence highlighted his educational background and current studies in welding and mechanical engineering. Judge Patricia Ryan described the crime as a "sneaky" and premeditated offence against a vulnerable person. Dao was sentenced to 18 months, suspended on strict conditions, and was required to pay €2,000 to the victim as a practical expression of remorse.
The trial of Stephen O'Sullivan, a Limerick car dealer accused of giving €20,000 to a detective garda in exchange for confidential information about an investigation into his business, collapsed. O'Sullivan had pleaded not guilty to the charge of corruption. The defence requested to call a new witness whose evidence was deemed highly relevant. Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin ruled that the jury should be discharged, as the evidence could not be considered without the new witness. The court heard that O'Sullivan had provided a covert audio recording of a conversation where he gave the detective the money and asked about ongoing investigations. O'Sullivan also alleged that senior gardai were involved in extorting money from him. The case was adjourned for further proceedings, with the judge expressing the need to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Henry McGowan, a 31-year-old US national, described in detail how he strangled his 66-year-old father with his bare hands, putting a full fist into his throat, just over an hour after arriving at a five-star midlands resort. The prosecution's case outlined that McGowan had pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father by reason of insanity. The trial heard that McGowan was under the delusion that the person he was killing was not his father but an imposter. Expert psychiatrists for both the prosecution and defense agreed that McGowan was experiencing a relapse of schizoaffective disorder when he killed his father. The prosecution's barrister, Will Fennelly, outlined that McGowan had previously encountered mental health challenges and had not been taking his medication. McGowan arrived at Dublin airport on November 11, 2024, and was later found at the Ballyfin Demesne hotel where he killed his father. McGowan told gardai that he had killed his father and that he had strangled him in a bathroom. The unnamed accused was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Steven Penrose, a double killer currently serving a life sentence for two murders, has appealed a High Court decision that Mountjoy Prison acted appropriately in placing him in solitary confinement. Penrose claims that his detention in the Challenging Behaviour Unit is a form of psychological torture and that the prison authorities made false disciplinary reports to justify his placement. He alleges that the governor of Mountjoy Prison made false affidavits and that his detention was a deliberate campaign to break him. Representing himself at the Court of Appeal, Penrose said that the prison service denied him access to structured activities and education and that they viewed his ability to write as a threat. The prosecution, represented by Anne-Marie Lawlor SC, argued that the High Court judge made proper findings of fact and that the prison's actions were justified. The judge noted that Penrose had not provided evidence to support his claims and that the High Court's decision should not be interfered with.
A man who contacted gardaí after seeing a photograph of himself looting from a shop during the Dublin riots has been given a two-year suspended sentence. Daniel Owie, 22, pleaded guilty to burglary after being caught on CCTV footage stealing €600 worth of clothing and runners from Foot Locker. He told gardaí he had an adrenaline rush and joined in the chaos. The court heard that gardaí had circulated over 160 images of people they wanted to speak to, having reviewed over 17,000 hours of CCTV footage. Owie's defense argued that his involvement was brief and that he had no history of violence. The judge acknowledged Owie's remorse and the extraordinary work of the gardaí in reviewing the footage. She set a headline sentence of three years but suspended it in full on strict conditions, giving Owie a chance to avoid jail.
A man who sexually assaulted his sleeping partner has been jailed for two and a half years. The 33-year-old was convicted of one count of sexual assault at their Co Wexford home on October 8, 2022. He was acquitted of one count of rape and the jury disagreed on two further counts of sexual assault. An investigating garda told the court that the couple were living together when the offence occurred. The man came home late one night and digitally penetrated the woman after she said no to sex. She pushed him away and left the house. She sent a text to the accused saying he did not have a right to touch her after she had said no. The man replied with an apology, but during the trial, he denied the sexual assault, claiming the allegations were fabrications. In her victim impact statement, the woman outlined the serious and ongoing effects the offence has had on her life, including mental struggles, feeling damaged, and suffering nightmares.
A convicted sex offender who was on bail when he attacked and raped his then partner in a Kildare woods, telling her he had dug her grave, has been further jailed for 10 years. Dylan McMahon (31) was convicted of rape, aggravated sexual assault, false imprisonment, and making threats to kill or cause serious harm. During the attack, McMahon pushed dog faeces, sticks, and leaves in her mouth, making her unable to breathe, and led her through the woods, telling her he had dug her grave. He denied the charges but pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. McMahon has 36 previous convictions and is currently serving a sentence of six years with the final year suspended for theft and assault causing harm to a sex worker. He is also serving a consecutive two-year and nine-month sentence for offences including robbery. The court heard that McMahon sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2015 and does not accept the verdict of the jury.
A woman who helped dump a man's body in a quarry and later expressed concern for his wellbeing on social media has been jailed for six years. Jane Corcoran (34) lied to gardai about the circumstances surrounding the death of Stephen Ring in 2024. She falsely accused another man of assaulting Mr Ring and wasted garda time. His body was found in Carrigfoyle Quarry 13 days later, decomposed and partially eaten by fish. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo said Corcoran lacks insight into her offending and has engaged in victim blaming. Corcoran was caught on CCTV helping move Mr Ring's remains to her car and then to the quarry. A probation officer noted she appears emotionally detached from the offence and is at high risk of reoffending. The judge set a headline sentence of nine years, which was reduced to six years and nine months after considering mitigation. Corcoran's guilty plea was noted, but her lack of remorse and victim blaming reduced its value. The judge suspended the final nine months of the sentence for two years on conditions.
Pedro Cifali, 37, was sentenced at the procedural stage of sentence for attempting to murder Lucia Nezbalova, 43, at her home in Garnish Square, Waterville, Dublin 15, on May 10, 2024. Cifali, a Brazilian national formerly residing in Blanchardstown, pleaded guilty to the charge. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon noted that Cifali allegedly armed himself with a knife, donned a disguise, and tracked Ms Nezbalova using an electronic tag attached to her car. The judge described the attack as unprovoked and premeditated, motivated by jealousy, resulting in life-threatening injuries including stab wounds to the neck, head, stomach, and arms. Ms Nezbalova suffered permanent scars, restricted mobility, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Ms Justice Creedon set a headline sentence of 20 years. Considering mitigation, primarily Cifali's guilty plea and lack of previous convictions, the judge imposed a final sentence of 16 years. Additionally, a further 12 months was suspended on the condition that Cifali engages with probation services. The sentence is backdated to May 15, 2024, when Cifali first entered custody.
Alan Burke, an electrician who had worked as an asset technician at Dublin Airport since December 2023, lost his job after An Garda Síochána revoked his green security clearance on 13 June 2025. Burke claims the revocation was based on a security intelligence check that returned a 'red' status, and that the decision was made without a fair hearing. He argues that the Garda Commissioner acted irrationally and arbitrarily, denying him an oral hearing and failing to provide information for his appeal. Burke maintains he does not pose a threat to national security, is not a member of any illegal organisation, and has never been tried for an offence linked to such an organisation. He has applied to the High Court for permission to challenge the decision and to obtain a declaration that the Commissioner's actions were contrary to fair procedures and natural justice. The case is adjourned to next month.
A 61-year-old man from Ballina in County Mayo has been sentenced to 11 and a half years imprisonment for sexually abusing five girls over nearly two decades. David Langdon pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Court to seven sample counts of sexual assault on children aged between five and 12 years during the period from April 1996 to July 2015. The offences came to the attention of gardaí in 2019 when the youngest victim, then still a minor, made a disclosure. Judge Sinéad McMullan noted the abuse frequently occurred during sleepovers when the children should have felt secure. The judge cited victim impact evidence describing severe ongoing trauma, including fear of darkness, sleep disturbance, and self-harm. She characterised the offences as representing a serious breach of trust. The headline sentence of 16 years was reduced to 12 and a half years, with the final 12 months suspended, and backdated to October 2024.
A tribunal has ruled that the 'beep test' used by Cork Fire Brigade to assess aerobic fitness for prospective firefighters discriminates against women and benefits younger candidates. The test, which has been in use for 40 years, was challenged by Terézia Foott, a part-time firefighter in her 40s who failed to advance in a recruitment competition for a full-time position in November 2023. Ms Foott, a qualified sports therapist and personal trainer, passed all other elements of the fitness test but did not meet the required score on the beep test. The tribunal found that the test's 'one-size-fits-all' standard was indirectly discriminatory against women and gave younger candidates an advantage. Ms Foott argued that she met the required standard for her age and gender, and she later achieved a higher VO2 max score in a separate test. The tribunal ruled that the use of the beep test without adjusting for age and gender was discriminatory and ordered Cork Fire Brigade to pay €8,000 in compensation, €4,000 for gender discrimination and €4,000 for age discrimination.
A tribunal has ruled that senior gardaí were justified in ordering a Special Branch detective to surrender his firearms when he showed signs of anxiety and stress, according to the Workplace Relations Commission. The tribunal dismissed multiple complaints by the detective, who alleged penalisation and discrimination on family status grounds after he accused his superiors of colluding to punish him for filing a grievance against his sergeant. The dispute originated from orders by former Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to cancel all leave during the State visit of former US President Joe Biden in April 2023. The detective had applied for holiday leave that clashed with the visit and was detailed to provide protection duty. However, on the morning of the visit, he indicated his intention to take force majeure leave due to his children being unwell. His sergeant had previously indicated he would be spoken to upon returning to work. The detective was later reprimanded and claimed he was de-selected for a close protection course.
A Ukrainian refugee described how she awoke to find her ex-partner pinning her down and demanding to be told the truth about her 'lover' before attempting to murder her by stabbing her 15 times. Viktoriia Pavlenko said former soldier Hryhorii Sryotenko had 'absolutely mad eyes' before launching the attack. Sryotenko (51) pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Ms Pavlenko on January 13, 2024. The victim described how life improved in Ireland but 'everything changed completely' on the day of the attack. She said she met Sryotenko in Ireland and they were neighbours. Initially, their relationship was good, but he became jealous and accused her of things she never did. The couple separated in November 2023 but still lived in the same house. On the day of the attack, she awoke to find Sryotenko in her bed with a knife. He stabbed her multiple times before her son intervened. Ms Pavlenko was taken to hospital and spent weeks recovering. Detective Garda Anthony Wharton detailed that Sryotenko had mental health issues and believed his partner was unfaithful.
A man has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Central Criminal Court following his guilty plea to offences arising from the fatal shooting of Noel Campion in Limerick city in April 2007. Darragh Quinlivan, aged 42 and originally from Limerick but with an address in Bolton, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and to participating in the activity of the Dundon-McCarthy criminal organisation. The court heard that Mr Campion, then 35, was shot multiple times whilst travelling as a passenger on a motorcycle at Thomondgate. Justice Paul McDermott described the shooting as callous and brutal, conducted in cold blood from close range during mid-morning on a public street. The judge noted victim impact statements detailing the lasting devastation caused to Mr Campion's family. In mitigation, the court considered Quinlivan's guilty plea and evidence of rehabilitation since 2012. The final sentence comprised 16 years with the last 12 months suspended, running concurrently with a four-year term on the organisational charge.
A US national has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his 66-year-old father at the five-star Ballyfin Demesne hotel in Co Laois over a year ago. Henry McGowan (31), with an address in Brooklyn, New York, is charged with the murder of John McGowan (66) at Ballyfin Demesne on November 12, 2024. Mr McGowan was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on the single charge of murder and pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Mr Justice Sean Gillane informed the jury that the case will involve mental health issues and asked potential jurors to be available until Friday. The prosecution is led by Brendan Grehan SC, while the defence team includes Michael Bowman SC and Olan Callanan BL. A jury of six men and six women was sworn in, and the trial is set to begin tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul McDermott, expected to last three days.
Conor O'Brien (29), of Kilpatrick, Ardee, Co Louth, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to facilitating a criminal organisation's importation of restricted weapons between February 2023 and July 2024, and to five counts of possessing firearms components in suspicious circumstances. The court heard evidence that O'Brien and co-accused Mark McCourt procured military-grade firearms and ammunition in America, which were smuggled into Ireland in component parts for reassembly and distribution to criminal gangs in Derry, Armagh, Dublin, and Limerish. Detective Inspector Shane McCartan stated that O'Brien was vital to the organisation's operations. Defence counsel argued O'Brien acted under pressure and fear. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, presiding over the non-jury court, adjourned the matter to March 16 for sentence, with O'Brien remanded in custody until then. His co-accused, Mark McCourt (34), of Edenreive, Newry, Co Down, was previously jailed for 12 years by the Special Criminal Court after pleading guilty to facilitating the organisation's efforts to import restricted weapons and possessing firearms components during the same period.
A school bus driver who was terminated after complaints about inappropriate talk at work and alleged breaches of child safeguarding procedures has failed in a claim for anti-trans discrimination. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) upheld the decision of a large bus and coach company to end its contract with the driver, dismissing a complaint of discrimination in breach of the Employment Equality Act 1998 on gender grounds. The tribunal heard that the driver, who was born male and had begun transitioning to a female identity before taking up the job, ceased gender-affirming treatments and started de-transitioning in the summer of 2024. He preferred to be addressed with male pronouns. The driver claimed that a special needs assistant questioned him about personal details, and he suspected the conversations were recorded. He was later informed of complaints about inappropriate language but was not given details until after he requested them. The company's legal submissions stated that the complaints involved explicit details of sexual abuse, sexual intimacy, and other inappropriate topics.
Conor O'Brien, 29, of Ardee, Co Louth, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to facilitating a criminal organisation's importation of restricted weapons between February 2023 and July 2024, and to five counts of possessing firearms components in suspicious circumstances. The court heard evidence that O'Brien and co-accused Mark McCourt procured military-grade firearms and ammunition in America, which were smuggled into Ireland in component parts for reassembly and distribution to criminal gangs. Detective Inspector Shane McCartan stated that O'Brien was central to the organisation, describing a "symbiotic relationship" with McCourt, who was directing operations. While defence counsel argued O'Brien acted under pressure, the prosecution highlighted communications referencing sales to "Ireland's top criminals" and the discovery of working firearms in a shed rented by O'Brien. O'Brien has no previous convictions. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, presiding over the non-jury court, adjourned the matter to March 16 for sentence, with O'Brien remanded in custody until that date. His co-accused, Mark McCourt, 34, of Newry, Co Down, was previously sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to similar charges of facilitating the importation of restricted weapons and possessing firearms components.
A Canadian tourist, Neno Dolmajian, was brutally beaten to death on a Dublin street by a Romanian national, Ionut Danca, who was described by the victim's sister as having 'treated my brother's head like a football'. The victim's sister, Maral Dolmajian, spoke at the Central Criminal Court about her brother's character, describing him as a 'good person, kind, funny, thoughtful and a joy to be around'. Danca pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of Dolmajian, who was assaulted on June 23, 2024, and died nine days later. The court heard that Danca delivered a 'running kick straight to the face' of the deceased. Danca's co-accused, Madalin Ghiuzan, pleaded guilty to assaulting Dolmajian. The court will deliver a sentence on February 17. Danca's defence argued that he was initially trying to act as a peacemaker and that he has no previous convictions. The victim's family asked for a sentence that reflects the violence suffered and acknowledges their loss.
The Workplace Relations Commission has dismissed Ellie Dunne's disability discrimination complaint against the National College of Art and Design (NCAD). Dunne, the first student with Down Syndrome to enrol in NCAD's fine art degree, alleged the college failed to provide necessary supports during her 2023 first semester, leading to her failure in a crucial module. The adjudicator rejected the claim primarily because formal notice was not served until April 2024, exceeding the statutory two-month limit. Additionally, the adjudicator found that requiring Dunne to re-sit the module was an inherent element of academic standards, not discrimination. Evidence included testimony from Dunne, her mother Katy McGuinness, and NCAD director Professor Sarah Glennie. McGuinness claimed NCAD was "ableist" and that her daughter's support worker, Nathalie Scharwatt, was excluded from educational support. NCAD denied discrimination "in the strongest possible terms" and cited a breach of protocol regarding a disability assessment document. The matter was concluded with the claim dismissed on both procedural and substantive grounds.
A jury has found that Detective Superintendent Rory Sheriff used reasonable force when striking a former Garda, John Bowe, with a baton during an 'extreme' high-speed car chase in rural Wexford in 2014. The civil trial jury agreed that Sheriff's actions were proportionate and justified following what he described as the most 'extreme and dangerous driving' he had ever witnessed. Bowe was arrested after a 20-minute chase that hit speeds in excess of 140kph. Sheriff testified that Bowe turned back with a 'metallic object' in his hand and lunged at him, prompting him to strike Bowe over the head with a baton. Bowe claimed he sustained injuries and was diagnosed with 'functional neurological disorder', but the claim was denied. Sheriff's legal team argued that it was 'miraculous' that no one was killed during the chase. The court awarded costs to Sheriff's legal team for both trials, pending any appeal.
A homeless man who stole €15 worth of food from a Spar store in Dublin due to 'desperation' has received a suspended sentence. Amiran Zaalishvili, 33, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to stealing groceries from the Spar store at Leopardstown Valley Shopping Centre on 14 May 2021. He admitted selecting goods valued at €15.75 and leaving without paying. The items were not recovered. His defence counsel, Michael O'Brien BL, explained that Zaalishvili was effectively homeless at the time and had no money to buy food, with the theft being a result of desperation. The court heard that Zaalishvili has 26 previous convictions, including drug-related offences, assault, and traffic violations. Judge Conor Fottrell noted the small value of the stolen goods but highlighted the defendant's extensive criminal history. The judge imposed a two-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, with the condition that Zaalishvili enter into a €200 bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
A woman who was drunk and disruptive in the accident and emergency department at Tallaght University Hospital has been given a suspended sentence. Kimberly Riordan (33), of Shancastle Lawns, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to a public order offence. On 10 December last year, she was abusive towards security staff, was intoxicated, unsteady on her feet, and slurring her words, leading to gardaí being called. The court heard that Riordan has around 120 previous convictions, many alcohol-related, and is currently in custody serving a sentence for public order and theft offences, with a release date in May. Defence counsel said she was remorseful and had not consumed alcohol since being in custody. Riordan told the judge she was feeling shaky due to the lack of alcohol. She had previously engaged with the Simon Community and residential treatment but relapsed after a temporary release. She remains welcome to return to treatment. Counsel said she had worked in pubs, which contributed to her alcohol issues, and she would not return to that type of work.
A man who participated in the arson of a car to warn the owner to pay a drug debt has been sentenced. Dylan Deegan pleaded guilty to damaging the car by fire in a parking lot. He had 22 previous convictions for offenses including robbery and assault. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Deegan was involved due to his own drug debt and under coercion. The arson posed no significant danger to others. Deegan received a 21-month sentence, backdated to when he went into custody. CCTV footage showed Deegan breaking the car window and pouring accelerant. His defense highlighted his difficult childhood, poor mental health, and drug addiction, asking the court to consider his guilty plea and the psychological report submitted.
A jury is deliberating in the trial of Stephen O'Sullivan, a Limerick car dealer accused of giving €20,000 to a garda detective in exchange for information about a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation into his business. O'Sullivan has pleaded not guilty to the charge of corruption. The trial has reached its final stages, with both prosecution and defense having made closing speeches. Surveillance footage showed O'Sullivan giving the money to Detective Garda David Bourke. O'Sullivan also claimed that senior gardai were involved in extorting money from him. Chief Superintendent Michael McNulty testified that warrants were sought for phone records and that a cash safe was found during searches. The jury has gone home to deliberate and will resume on Monday.
Patrick McDonagh, aged 25, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after he threw a carton of chips at pensioner Michael Whitfield and then struck him with his car on Clonshaugh Road on 3 November 2021. Whitfield, now 66, suffered a catastrophic head injury that left him unable to walk, with severe speech difficulties and requiring full‑time care. He spent five weeks in an induced coma, ten months at Beaumont Hospital, five months at the National Rehabilitation Hospital and is now a full‑time patient in a specialist brain‑injury care setting. McDonagh pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm; the court noted his lack of previous convictions at the time but recorded 17 prior convictions thereafter. The sentence was set to run consecutively with a seven‑year term for false imprisonment, assault, threats to kill and burglary, with six months suspended on conditions including Probation Service supervision.
A man has been jailed for two years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following an assault on an Irish Rail inspector aboard a Dublin to Sligo train at Connolly Station. Gerry Nevin (32), of Mostrim Road, Ballymahon, Co. Longford, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on 21 September 2024. The incident occurred after the inspector requested Nevin remove alcohol from the train. Evidence presented to the court showed Nevin engaged in a verbal dispute with the inspector, then assaulted him by pushing him against a door, punching him repeatedly and placing him in a headlock. The inspector sustained a fractured lip, facial cuts and broken glasses, and required hospital treatment. In a victim impact statement, the injured party described ongoing psychological effects and anxiety about returning to work. Judge Martina Baxter imposed a headline sentence of three and a half years, reducing it to two and a half years to reflect mitigating factors including Nevin's early guilty plea. The final six months were suspended on condition he comply with probation supervision and undertake offence-related courses.
A 45-year-old man with a long criminal record has been jailed for six and a half years for hijacking a car and threatening a woman with violence. Joseph Rafferty, identified by a port-wine birthmark, was sentenced by Judge Orla Crowe after pleading guilty to multiple offences, including stealing a woman's iPhone and dental veneers during the hijacking. He also admitted to robbing a service station and attempting another robbery later that evening. The judge described the incidents as a series of violent crimes by a repeat offender. She noted the terror inflicted on the victim, who was cleaning her car when Rafferty threatened her with death. The woman was forced to jump from the moving vehicle, and her personal items were not recovered. Rafferty, who has 61 previous convictions, including lengthy prison sentences, was also found to have a history of drug addiction and a difficult upbringing. His defence highlighted his remorse and intention to rehabilitate. The judge imposed a seven-and-a-half-year sentence, with the final year suspended.
A security company, BGS Security Ltd, accused of the 'systematic exploitation' of vulnerable migrant workers, has been likened to a 'modern slavery' operation by trade union SIPTU. Former employees, including James Ajibola, have brought complaints against the company, which is now in liquidation. The company was found to have systematically failed to pay wages to mainly migrant workers from Africa and Asia, while white Irish or European employees in supervisory roles were paid. SIPTU representatives argued that the company's actions constituted racial discrimination. The liquidator, Thomas Musiol, said there were over 50 similar cases and that the company's director had disappeared. The tribunal was told that some workers had no social welfare contributions, creating ambiguity about whether unpaid wages could be paid from the Employers' Insolvency Fund. The case is ongoing, with the adjudication officer to write to the parties with his decision in due course.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 6 February 2026, 32‑year‑old Martin McDonnell pleaded guilty to producing a knife and dishonestly appropriating a cigarette on Wellington Quay on 13 June 2024. The court heard that McDonnell, who has a history of violent incidents and a permanent scar from a past axe attack, approached a worker who had just finished a night shift at 8 am. After the victim refused to give him a cigarette, McDonnell pulled a large knife from his trousers, then, once the cigarette was handed over, hugged the victim and kissed him on the back of the neck. McDonnell was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, with the final 10 months suspended, and was ordered to be supervised by the Probation Service for 18 months after release. The judge noted McDonnell's guilty plea and expressions of remorse as mitigating factors.
A Dublin man died from a stab wound to the neck less than two months before his partner gave birth to their child, the Central Criminal Court heard. Natanya Comerford testified that the deceased, Michael Ryan, had lost his mother to cancer six weeks before his death. She stated that Mr Ryan was taking a prescribed dose of Zopiclone to help him sleep and that the €4,000 found in his gym bag was from a loan for home improvements. Ms Comerford said she had never heard of Mr Ryan selling sleeping tablets. Joseph Lawlor, who denies murdering Mr Ryan, was questioned about the money in the gym bag, to which she replied that Mr Ryan was an 'eejit'. The trial heard that Mr Ryan and Mr Lawlor were drinking together and had a physical altercation. Mr Ryan was arrested for drink driving but was later released. He returned to Mr Lawlor's home where the fatal encounter occurred. Joseph Lawlor pleaded not guilty.
Avoca has been accused of overreacting by sacking its head chef, Giorgio Romano, after a company investigator claimed he falsified refrigeration records for two batches of curry. The Workplace Relations Commission heard that Avoca informed health inspectors that there was no food safety risk and did not recall the meals. Romano's lawyers argued that the company acted disproportionately, as Romano made a genuine mistake under pressure. Romano, who had worked for Avoca for 17 years, stated he was under pressure due to a shortage of staff and was operating new equipment for the first time. He explained that he took the curries out of the chiller himself because a kitchen assistant was missing. The tribunal was told that Avoca had no evidence of a food safety risk and that firing Romano was inconsistent with their earlier statements. The adjudicator is expected to deliver a decision in about 12 weeks.
A Spanish businessman, Christian Munoz Sanchez (35), who came to Ireland to make 'easy money' from the drug trade, has been jailed for seven years. He pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply, having transported nearly €1.43 million worth of heroin and other drugs. Munoz Sanchez, who has a wine business in Barcelona and is also a part-time DJ, was arrested after gardai found 19 packages of drugs in his suitcase during a surveillance operation. He admitted to being paid €5,000 for the job and stated he had come to Ireland solely for the purpose of mixing and delivering the drugs. Munoz Sanchez had no previous convictions in Ireland or Spain. His defence highlighted his co-operation with the investigation and his lack of a drugs debt, which the court acknowledged. Judge Ní Chúlacháin noted the significant quantity of drugs involved and the deliberate nature of his actions, but reduced the headline sentence of 12 years to seven years, with the final two years suspended.
A former competitive rugby player and scholarship recipient has been jailed for 18 months after being caught with a machete on a Dublin street. Michael Ibrahim, a 21-year-old father of one from Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to possession of a machete with a sharply pointed blade on Shelbourne Road on July 2. Gardai noticed Ibrahim and another male acting suspiciously and found a broken nail scissors on Ibrahim during a search. When asked for an explanation, Ibrahim did not provide one and was arrested. During the arrest, a black machete was found concealed under his clothing. The court heard that Ibrahim has 26 previous convictions, including drug dealing. His barrister highlighted his bright prospects as a young rugby player and scholarship recipient, noting that he had fallen in with a bad crowd after an injury. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the case and the need for a custodial sentence, stating that it was fortunate the gardai had been alert. Ibrahim was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
A former garda, John Bowe, has sought damages from a civil court jury after being struck on the head with a baton by Det Supt Rory Sheriff during a high-speed chase in Wexford in 2014. Bowe was arrested following the incident and later convicted of dangerous driving. He claims that the use of force by Sheriff was excessive and that he suffered injuries leading to a diagnosis of functional neurological disorder. His legal representative, Mark Harty SC, argued that Bowe was being unfairly portrayed as a liar and that the defence was attempting to gaslight the jury. On the other hand, Det Supt Sheriff's legal team, led by Richard Lyons SC, defended the use of force, stating that Bowe's actions were extremely dangerous and that no one was harmed due to the detective's intervention. The court is considering whether Sheriff used reasonable force during the arrest. If not, the jury must determine the award of damages and potential loss of earnings for Bowe.
Luke Donnelly (29) was found not guilty of murder but guilty of the manslaughter of his mother, Catherine Henry (62), by a Central Criminal Court jury. The incident occurred at her Bridge Street apartment in Dundalk, Co Louth, on a date unknown between May 23 and 24, 2023. Donnelly had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The jury accepted the defence of provocation, rejecting the prosecution's contention that the defences were unavailable. Donnelly alleged he was 'groomed' into a life of violence by his mother and acted in fear for his life after she threatened to kill him. A pathologist testified that Ms Henry died from severe blunt force trauma to the head, including multiple skull fractures. Following the verdict, Mr Justice Paul McDermott directed a probation report and remanded Donnelly in custody until May 11 for a sentence hearing. On that date, the Henry family will have the opportunity to make a statement regarding the impact of the death. The judge exempted the jury from service for five years.
The High Court has refused the State's application for leave to appeal a decision declining to extradite a convicted sex offender to Northern Ireland. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath ruled that the case was exceptional, finding it would be disproportionate to order the surrender of Paul Lomas, aged 41, with an address in County Donegal, given the age of the matters in question and the type of sentence involved. The Northern Irish authorities sought Lomas's surrender for six offences dating back approximately 15 years, including five conviction matters and one charge of driving whilst disqualified from January 2011. The convictions stemmed from assaults on police officers and breaches of a Risk of an Interim Sexual Harm Order imposed following a 2009 conviction. Mr Justice McGrath noted that Lomas had served his custodial sentence for the serious offences and subsequently developed family connections in the State. The judge concluded the case had reached the threshold where refusal of surrender was warranted. The unnamed respondent pleaded guilty.
A whistleblower claim by Detective Superintendent Brian O'Reilly is being heard in private at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The case, which involves allegations of penalisation under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, was set for a hearing at the WRC. The State applied for the hearing to be held in private, and the media was excluded from the room. Adjudication officer Davnet O'Driscoll confirmed the motion was granted. The case had previously been outlined in a preliminary hearing in November. In addition to the WRC complaint, Supt O'Reilly had sought an injunction in the Circuit Court regarding his sick pay classification. His application for interim relief was denied by Judge John O'Connor in November 2025. Supt O'Reilly alleged he was subjected to oppressive management, had firearms training withheld, and was denied professional development and acting-up allowances. He also claimed he was undermined and ostracised at work. The State's legal team highlighted a duplication of proceedings, while Supt O'Reilly's solicitors are considering challenging the judge's decision. The case was adjourned for new legal papers.
A Dublin father, Michael Ryan (51), died from a single stab wound to the neck that severed a branch of the carotid artery and the jugular vein, according to evidence presented at the Central Criminal Court. Joseph Lawlor (39), of Hampton Wood Road in Finglas, Dublin 11, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Ryan, who was killed in a carpark near the accused's home on June 20, 2024. The trial heard that Mr Lawlor and Mr Ryan had been drinking together throughout the day and had a first physical altercation at 8.30pm. A second altercation occurred just after 9.30pm, leading to Mr Ryan being arrested for drink driving. After being released, he returned to Mr Lawlor's home where the fatal encounter took place. An audio recording captured Mr Ryan moments after being stabbed, saying: "You fucking c**t you, you dirtbird, Joey. You stabbed me in the artery, you f**king eejit." State pathologist Dr Yvonne McCartney testified that Mr Ryan had 57 scratches and bruises on his head, arms, legs, and torso.
A serial offender, Andrew Murphy, was convicted and fined €750 after claiming that CCTV footage of a bicycle thief was '100% not me'. Murphy had pleaded not guilty to unlawfully taking a bicycle from a bike rack outside a store in Dublin. The victim reported that his bicycle was stolen, with the broken lock left behind. The CCTV footage showed a man removing a bicycle from the rack, and Garda Dylan Higgins identified Murphy as the individual in the footage. Murphy denied being the person in the footage, claiming he did not have the clothes depicted and was dealing with addiction issues at the time. The defence argued that the prosecution failed to establish a proper chain of custody for the CCTV footage and relied on Garda recognition evidence, which could be subject to honest mistake. However, the judge accepted Garda Higgins' identification and found Murphy guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Murphy has a significant criminal history, including 23 theft convictions, and the judge noted his difficult past before imposing the fine.
A Dutch teacher who sold his house to secure bail for a compatriot accused of drug smuggling appeared before the Special Criminal Court. Ali Ghasemi Mazidi, aged 50 and resident in the Netherlands, faces charges of conspiracy to import controlled drugs valued at approximately €60 million between February and March 2024. David Kuiper, aged 53, offered himself as an independent surety of €30,000 for Mr Mazidi's High Court bail. During proceedings, the State's counsel challenged Mr Kuiper's credibility, noting he appeared unaware of the specific charges against the accused and lived abroad, making supervision difficult. Mr Kuiper testified he had known Mr Mazidi for two decades and trusted him implicitly. The court heard that seven co-accused have already pleaded guilty to the charge. Mr Mazidi, Sean Curran of Aughnacloy, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, and Raul Tabares Garcia remain awaiting trial. Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with two fellow judges, adjourned the matter to February 13.
The HSE has admitted negligence and a breach of duty of care in the death of John Tuohy, who died after medics failed to perform a CT scan that could have saved his life. Tuohy fell at home and suffered a head injury, but the hospital did not conduct a CT scan as it was deemed not to be within NICE guidelines. He was discharged but later fell ill and was taken back to the hospital, where a CT scan revealed a large subdural haemorrhage. Tuohy died two days later. The HSE issued an apology, acknowledging that a CT scan should have been completed and that the failure to do so led to his death. The court ordered the family to receive €35,000 and their costs in the proceedings. The family expressed profound stress and anguish over the loss of their loved one and the substandard care provided.
A Dublin man, Joseph Lawlor, is on trial for the murder of his friend, Michael Ryan, who was fatally stabbed in the neck. The trial heard that hours before the stabbing, Ryan told his friend, 'If you are going to stab me, stab me now.' The two men had been drinking together and had a series of altercations. An audio recording captured Lawlor calling Ryan a 'snitch' and a 'supergrass,' with Ryan responding that he had saved Lawlor's life. The recording also included Lawlor threatening to stab Ryan with his own knife. A bloodstained knife was found in Lawlor's home, and it was presented as the murder weapon. The prosecution argued that Lawlor's actions were premeditated, while the defence suggested that neither man had a knife during the immediate altercation. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence presented. Joseph Lawlor pleaded not guilty.
A serial roads offender, Owen Comerford (35), of Balally Drive, Dundrum, Dublin 16, has been sentenced to four months in prison and disqualified from driving for 10 years after being caught driving for a third time while banned. Comerford pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to driving without insurance and without a valid licence in Sandyford Village, Dublin 18, on 16 January last. The court heard that Comerford was driving a black 2010 Vauxhall Insignia in a public place while uninsured and without a valid licence. Judge Anne Watkin noted that Comerford has 99 previous convictions, including multiple charges for driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and various other offences. He has been disqualified from driving on three previous occasions, with this being his third conviction for driving while disqualified. The court was informed that Comerford had most recently been disqualified in November and was already subject to a 10-year driving ban at the time of the offence.
Nathan Walsh and Lee Cunningham, both aged 29, have pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to charges arising from an assault on a man in Dublin City Centre on 23 May 2023. Walsh, of Ballyshannon Road, Beaumont, admitted theft and assault causing harm. Cunningham, of Park Lawn, Mount Prospect Avenue, Clontarf, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. The victim, now 41, was attacked on Temple Lane South at 3am and robbed of his mobile phone and wallet. CCTV footage showed Walsh initiating the assault with punches and kicks to the head before searching the victim's pockets, while Cunningham's involvement occurred at the assault's conclusion. A third defendant, Brian Delahunty, was previously sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for his role in the same incident. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned sentencing of Walsh and Cunningham to 30 April to allow the Probation Service to prepare reports on both men.
A man who claims he was extorted into giving a detective garda €20,000 in exchange for a tip-off about a raid on his car dealership told officers that he did not inform the Garda ombudsman. Stephen O'Sullivan (43) is accused of giving or agreeing to give to Detective Garda David Bourke a monetary gain as an inducement to reveal confidential information concerning an investigation being carried out by (CAB) in relation to Stephen O'Sullivan, trading as Stephen Bawn Motors. Mr O'Sullivan, of Farrehy, Broadford, Co Limerick, is a director of the business and has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a single count of corruption at Bruree, Co Limerick on December 22, 2018. Mr O'Sullivan was arrested on January 23, 2019, by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NCBI). The court has already heard an audio recording of Stephen O'Sullivan giving €20,000 to Detective Garda David Bourke.
Brian Grendon, a convicted criminal, was given a fully suspended sentence for failing to pay income tax on over €27,000 in cash seized from his home. Grendon denied being a 'main player' in an organised crime group and claimed the cash was legitimate. The court heard that the cash was found in envelopes in his bedroom and that Grendon had a history of criminal convictions, including 18 for road traffic offences. The prosecution argued that the cash was the proceeds of crime, but Grendon maintained it was from his car business. The court accepted a plea deal, and Grendon was sentenced to 18 months, which was suspended for three years. The judge noted that the offence was at the lower end of the scale and did not warrant a custodial sentence. Brian Grendon pleaded guilty.
A murder accused, Luke Donnelly, attempted to portray himself as a victim by claiming he was in fear for his life when he killed his allegedly abusive mother, but a prosecution barrister argued that the jury's verdict should 'sting like a bee'. Garret Baker SC, representing the Director of Public Prosecutions, stated that Donnelly had crushed his mother's skull 'like he would a common insect' and that she posed no real threat. Donnelly, who pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, claimed he was 'groomed' into a life of drugs and violence by his mother. He told the jury he 'snapped' and lost control after his mother threatened to kill him. Under cross-examination, Donnelly admitted to taking a cocktail of drugs before the incident. In his closing speech, Baker criticized Donnelly's defense, calling it 'contrived' and 'manufactured', and argued that the evidence pointed to an 'unambiguous murder'. He emphasized that the victim, a 62-year-old grandmother, had no chance against the accused.
Danny Heyneman, a 32-year-old man from Kilnavart, Ballyconnell, County Cavan, has been charged with the murder of Annie Heyneman and the attempted murder of Henk Heyneman. The alleged offences are said to have occurred at the family home in Kilnavart on January 11, 2025. Heyneman is currently accused of these crimes, and the charges remain alleged or contested. The matter is at the pre-trial stage, with no plea entered, finding made, or sentence imposed. The case is listed for trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin on April 13. A mention date has also been scheduled for February 18 at the same court. No finalisation, adjournment, or disposal has been recorded for this procedural stage. All allegations are attributed to the charges brought against the accused, and no conviction has been established. The report reflects the current status of the case as it proceeds toward trial.